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RHRA Meeting Minutes – Monday, August 29, 2016 Page 22 interested members of the public where businesses could mingle with residents and the City Council. Ms. Wheeler opined that would be a more collaborative event versus city officials going to the business sites. As a member of the community, Ms. McCormick stated she’d appreciate a refresher on why this is being done; and parallel opportunities for residents and areas or neighborhoods in the community to have the same opportunity for interaction. Member Etten expressed appreciation for Ms. McCormick’s questions. However, in the initial 2014 visits, Member Etten noted many were found with holes in or no business plans at all, and stated the need to support those businesses and their staying successful by identifying needs and reaching out to them. Member Etten opined it would be more onerous to them to leave their site; and even though the city held business events once/year at various city locations (e.g. hotels), it only reached a relatively small number of businesses. Member Etten noted the need to make this as convenient as possible, opining that was probably through a site visit, providing another tool in the continued interest by the city in keeping them successful in the community, and from the city’s perspective, retaining its broad tax base. Member Willmus agreed with the need for stabilizing the city’s tax base, fortunately now very diverse, and make sure nothing was missed if degradation was seen in one area of that tax base. Member Willmus opined it was good to understand not only residents’ but business owners’ perspectives, many of whom were also Roseville residents. By creating a win-win for all, Member Willmus stated it created a stabilized environment for a successful city with well-maintained infrastructure, a strong residential and business base, and a mechanism for the city and him personally, to open the door to see the challenges being faced by some of these business owners. Member Laliberte noted the City Council had already spoken with the Community Engagement Commission on exploring the open house concept, and further noted the city had already expressed an interest in having residents and businesses share in that opportunity. During her time serving on the City Council, as well as her active membership in the State Chamber of Commerce, Member Laliberte noted she had heard stories at different events from businesses – including some in Roseville – who had outgrown their space, but were looking elsewhere than Roseville and therefore taking jobs out of Roseville. Therefore, Member Laliberte opined it was important to get a pulse check and determine comment themes (e.g. transit issues) from businesses and to address those challenges. Ayes: McGehee, Willmus, Roe, Laliberte, and Etten Nays: None. Motion carried.